Feeling Overwhelmed?

Late last night, I got home from a powerful time with our students at Liberty University’s College for a Weekend. A total spiritual high. God is great!

Today, I went into my office, surveyed my to-do list and felt completely overwhelmed. We’ve all been there. We’ve all felt the pressure and we’ve all asked, “How in the world am I going to get everything done well and on time?”

I’ve got a simple plan that you can follow. I do it, so can you. Here it is in three steps:

Step 1: Remember. The Lord is in charge of my life. My life is in his hands. I’ll start working in faith, doing my best, relying on his help. I’ll trust and obey and leave the rest up to the Lord.

“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ … I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.” - Isaiah 46:9-11

Step 2: Remove. Take my pressure and my panic and put it on the Lord. There is no need to bear the load. The Bible clearly commands us to give it the Lord. Going solo is disobedience and unbelief. What peace we often forfeit, what pain we often bear. All because we do not carry everything to the Lord in prayer. Give Jesus all of your troubles.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:6-7

Step 3: Rejoice. Pick a Bible passage that promises the Lord’s help or love or care. Stand on that promise. Read it. Receive it. Believe it.

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” - Isaiah 43:1-2

How is any of this possible? Because we are in Christ by faith. And, by his perfect life, cross-death for us, and resurrection to life, he has restored us to the Father. And the Father has promised to do good to us.

It takes discipline to do these three steps. Your mind will keep telling you to feel overwhelmed. Panic will rise. When it does, start again at step one and repeat the process as often as needed. It works. And it glorifies God when we trust him with the details of life. Try it!